CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – Two teenagers are in custody after a drive-by shooting involving a high-powered water-bead gun left a toddler with facial injuries Friday evening.
Chillicothe Police officers were dispatched to the 100 block of East 5th Street around 9:00 p.m. following reports that a young child had been shot. Upon arrival, officers spoke with Gracie Coleman and Michael Robinette, who stated they were outside with their 2-year-old niece when two males passed by on an electric scooter pulling a wagon.
According to the police report, a passenger in the wagon—described as wearing a ski mask—discharged an “Orbeez” air gun toward the family. The 2-year-old victim was struck in the face, leaving red marks on her forehead. Mr. Robinette was also struck in the leg, though he did not report serious injuries.
Apprehension and Search
Shortly after leaving the scene, Officers James Kight and Josh Wright spotted a scooter and wagon matching the suspects’ description near South Sugar Street. During the traffic stop, officers observed a 17-year-old male in the wagon attempting to hide an Orbeez gun, which was modeled to look like a sub-machine gun.
A subsequent search of the suspects’ belongings uncovered several items, including:
- Three water bottles filled with Orbeez ammunition.
- Alcoholic beverages, including a bottle of “Bootlegger” and three cans of “Twisted Tea.”
- A baggie containing a green leafy substance suspected to be marijuana.
- Multiple electronic tobacco vapes.
Resistance and Charges
The 17-year-old suspect reportedly became combative during the arrest, tensing his body and requiring officers to use force to secure him in handcuffs.
Following a consultation with Magistrate Szorady, both juveniles were ordered into detention.
- The 17-year-old male faces charges of Assault, Discharging Firearms (Air Guns) within city limits, and Underage Consumption/Possession.
- The 15-year-old male, identified as the driver of the scooter, was charged with Complicity to Commit Assault.
The Orbeez gun and suspected marijuana were booked into evidence, while the alcohol and vapes were destroyed by officers.
Raiden Whitlock: 17 years old
Discharging Firearms in the city (air gun),
Assault,
Underage consumption(possessing)
Brandon Cox: 15 years old
Complicity to commit assault
The two teenagers were transported to the Juvenile Detention Center and were scheduled to appear in Ross County Juvenile Court this morning, April 27, at 9:00 a.m. The victim’s family has indicated they intend to press charges.
